Arts Build Communities Grants Open to Support Creative Projects Across the Region

Locally administered grants for arts projects focusing on community priorities

The Arts Build Communities (ABC) Grant Program, administered locally by the First Tennessee Development District (FTDD), is designed to support arts projects that broaden access to arts experiences, address community quality-of-life issues through the arts, and enhance the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises.

Organizations may apply for grants of up to $5,000, and no matching funds are required. Applications for the 2026-2027 grant cycle are due by Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Eligible Projects

ABC Grant funds may be used to:

• Provide innovative arts experiences that are new or unfamiliar to community residents

• Offer arts programs designed to create positive change around community social issues

• Develop arts programming that strengthens social networks through community engagement

• Undertake cultural arts initiatives that enhance a community's identity and contribute to economic development

• Provide training that helps experienced or emerging artists and arts administrators develop entrepreneurial skills or innovative strategies for sustainability

  
  

“In past years, area organizations have used ABC Grant funding to support arts programming, including theater programs for children and young adults, high school band initiatives, and public art projects such as murals,” said Misty Willison, Special Projects and Communications Manager, who oversees administration of the ABC Grant at FTDD.

Eligibility

The ABC Grant Program is open to organizations proposing arts activities that meet all applicable program requirements outlined in the grant guidelines.

Organizations receiving Major Cultural Institution or Partnership Support funding are not eligible to apply for ABC funding. Colleges and universities may apply only for activities that clearly serve the needs of surrounding communities or the State and are designed to engage a broad audience. Activities that generate academic credit or primarily serve collegiate students and the academic community are not eligible.

For more information or to submit an application for this grant program visit: https://tnartscommission.org/grants/arts-build-communities-grant/

You may also contact Misty Willison by email at mwillison@ftdd.org